Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says the Super Falcons will not underestimate Zambia, Malawi or Egypt as they prepare to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
The 10-time African champions have been drawn in a competitive Group C alongside Zambia, Malawi and Egypt for the tournament, which runs from 26 July to 16 August.
Speaking to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media, the Paris FC goalkeeper said the Super Falcons are approaching the competition with humility and determination as they target both the WAFCON title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of overconfidence,” Nnadozie said.
“We will be focused on our two main objectives—qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and successfully defending the WAFCON title.”
“There Are No Minnows”
Nnadozie believes the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams will make the competition even more challenging.
“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals. That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams.”
The shot-stopper dismissed suggestions that some groups are easier than others, insisting every nation is capable of causing an upset.
“I don’t believe any group is tougher than another. Right now in African football, there are no longer any minnows. There will be many surprises during this tournament.”
“We know what we are fighting for—the trophy and a World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria.”
Familiar Rivals
Nigeria will meet Zambia at the WAFCON for the third consecutive edition of the tournament.
The Super Falcons thrashed the Copper Queens 5-1 in the quarterfinals of the previous meeting, but Zambia gained revenge at the 2022 WAFCON, defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the bronze-medal playoff to secure their first-ever victory over the West Africans.
With both nations regarded among the favourites for this year’s title, another highly anticipated showdown awaits when they meet in Group C.
